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PODCAST

The Foreign Desk

Presented by Andrew Mueller, Monocle’s flagship global-affairs show features expert guests and in-depth analysis of the big issues of the week. Nominated for ‘Best Current Affairs’ show and the ‘Spotlight Award’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards.

news politics

All Episodes

30:25

Is Milei’s chainsaw cutting through?

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/11/01

Argentina’s mid-terms surprised everyone, as president Javier Milei’s party doubled its parliamentary seats. Have Argentinians bought into his radical economic programme? Or will the pain and populism prove too much? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

8:00

Explainer 491: Trump’s third term?

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/10/29

US presidents are, as we know, two-term limited. But will that stop Trump? Andrew Mueller lays out the possible paths to re-re-election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

42:44

Eighty years on, is the United Nations a relevant...

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/10/25

Eighty years on from its inception, the United Nations is in crisis. Former US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton joins an expert panel to discuss the institution’s need for change, and if reform is possible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

6:39

Explainer 490: Who is Japan’s new prime minister,...

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/10/22

Japan made history this week as its first woman prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, was sworn in. But what are her politics and how will she manage without a parliamentary majority?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

33:53

Donald Trump, the diplomat

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/10/18

President Trump has achieved what numerous other world leaders have failed to secure: a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. So is there actually merit in his unorthodox approach to diplomacy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

6:58

Explainer 489: Why have Gen Z protests spread to...

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/10/15

President Andry Rajoelina flees as Madagascar’s youth follow the example of protestors in Morocco, Nepal and Sri Lanka, among others. But why are Gen Z taking to the streets across the world? Andrew Mueller explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

38:34

Two years on from 7 October: did it have to be like...

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/10/11

After two years of conflict, Israel and Hamas have finally agreed terms of a ceasefire. But was this the only possible path? What were the other options open to Israel since 7 October?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

7:33

Explainer 488: Why has Australia signed a defence...

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/10/08

While neither nation is famed for their military might, the mutual defence treaty signed this week by Australia and Papua New Guinea has some strategic benefits for both. Andrew Mueller explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

28:26

Why is Moldova’s election result so significant to...

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/10/04

Last Sunday’s parliamentary election was one of existential stakes for Moldova and considerable concern for Europe. But will the newly elected, pro-EU PAS keep Russian influence at bay?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

7:52

Explainer 487: India, Pakistan and a dearth of...

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/10/01

Following India’s recent victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, handshakes were absent and India refused to accept the trophy. Andrew Mueller plots the course of these nations’ geopolitical tensions on the cricket field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

33:41

Is social media a threat to national security?

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/09/27

The size, power and appetite for misinformation of the largest social media platforms is undeniable. But how real is the national security threat? And what can be done about it? We hear from MP Christine Jardine and others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

7:53

Explainer 486: Why recognise Palestine now?

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/09/24

Ten countries recognised Palestine this week, including the UK, France and Canada. Why now? Andrew Mueller examines the geopolitical and domestic reasons behind the shift.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

30:43

Above the law?

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/09/20

In democracies, it is an article of faith that nobody – not even the national leader – is above the law. As with most articles of faith, expedient exceptions are made. What impact does accountability have?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

8:05

Explainer 485: The aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s murder

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/09/17

As information about Charlie Kirk’s killer slowly begins to emerge, the Republican Party’s response has been far more prompt. Andrew Mueller assesses the fallout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

32:03

White House vs City Hall

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/09/13

Following President Trump’s National Guard deployment in Los Angeles and Washington, cities across the US are bracing themselves. What is he trying to accomplish? And how can a city mayor prepare for it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

6:07

Explainer 484: Nepal’s war on social media

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/09/10

As many as 22 people are dead and hundreds injured in Nepal during riots against corruption and a social media ban. But is the government’s ruling as pure-hearted as they want it to appear? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

37:52

Does the immigration debate have to be like this?

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/09/06

As the right engages in fearmongering and the left struggles with coherent messaging, can immigration be reformed? Is shutting the door effective? And how does anyone win against those who want to shut it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

7:06

Explainer 483: Labour’s England flag frenzy

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/09/03

There has been an uptick in St George’s flags festooned on buildings and spray-painted over road signs in England. But why, despite right-wing associations, is Labour endorsing the practice?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

29:54

Shadow boxing in the Caribbean: Why is the US...

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/09/01

The US Navy sets sail for Venezuela. What does president Trump hope to accomplish with this gunboat diplomacy? How has president Maduro clung to power and will the US ever leave South America alone?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

7:39

Explainer 481: Why has Australia thrown out Iran’s...

The Foreign Desk ·

2025/08/27

For the first time ever, Australia has expelled an ambassador. But why is Iran’s Ahmad Sadeghi packing his bags and what does it have to do with antisemitic attacks?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

273 results

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